Daily news about using open source R for big data analysis, predictive modeling, data science, and visualization since 2008

March 16, 2012

Because it's Friday: Downton Abbey behind the scenes

To follow up on yesterday's post about the language of Downton Abbey, I thought I'd do a Downton-themed BIF post today. First, for Downton fans, can you guess the character played by this Downton Abbey actor?

The filming location (for everything set at Downton except the servants' quarters and the kitchen) is Highclere Castle, about 100km east west of London. By contrast, the fictional Downton Abbey is set in Yorkshire, about 350km away in the north of England. If the architecture of Downton Abbey looks familiar, it's because Highclere was designed by Charles Barry, the architect of the Houses of Parliament.

And for anyone who hasn't caught the Downton bug yet, here's a promo from ITV (which airs Downton Abbey in the UK) which gives you a good sense of the tone. Here in the US, the first season is available on Netflix streaming, and you can purchase the second season on iTunes.

And to cap things off, here are some of the best moments from my favourite character, the Dowager Countess (played by Dame Maggie Smith):